How to do 70’s style in a modern home

Although more refined and toned-down, the 70s revival has hit interiors in a big way, but there’s a knack to getting this retro style right. It’s all about interpreting the fashion of yesteryear into homewares, colour palettes and finishes that are contemporary enough for the modern home of today, while subtlely referencing the sensational style of the 1970s. 

Know your palette

The colour palette of the 70s style revival includes mustard, terracotta, khaki and muted pinks. These colours work beautifully together to create a warm and dynamic scene in your home. These colours have most recently been worked into homewares in the form of velvet cushions, chunky throws and dramatic paint colours.

Understand the materials

Timber panelling, bamboo or rattan furniture and terrazzo are experiencing a major comeback right now. Terrazzo plays into the new 70s colour palette seamlessly and has been reimagined into homewares such as canisters, bowls, lamps, vases and trays. Terrazzo is resurfacing as a chic flooring option, and is available in tile form, too. Terrazzo is available in a virtually endless colour selection and can be worked into a sleek contemporary home as easily as a retro-tinged home.

Embrace plants

Houseplants were an absolute necessity in stylish 70s homes. These days, a few well-placed indoor plants provide an instant pick-me-up to any interior and are an affordable way to make your home feel more expensive. Houseplants that were popular in the 70s include the Boston Fern, the spider plant and mother-in-law's tongue. If you’re a newbie to the world of indoor plants, try your hand at maintaining a few hardy cacti/succulents.

Texturise with prints, patterns and craft

When it comes to nailing 70’s style, the finishing touches are what can make or break the effect. The return of Macramé wall hangings is the perfect modern-day example of an old trend reworked into modern-day style. A wall-hanging in a neutral colour such as white or cream can act as an eye-catching artwork and focus-point in a room and add texture to the space. Cushions and throws with embroidered, crocheted or other crafted details will amp up this trend in your home, just keep them on the chic side of kitsch by choosing homewares in trendy, block colours that work cohesively with your overall palette. Patterned wallpaper was another big trend in the 70s. If you’re considering trying this trend in your own home, look for geometric and colourful prints or repetitive patterns that won’t overwhelm the space.

This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.

  

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